A family in Kisumu county is grieving the untimely demise of their daughter, Sarah Kemunto. Kisumu mum Constance Kemunto (l) recalls her last conversation with daughter Sarah (m). Daniel Maeba (r) talks about his daughter Sarah When did Sarah Kemunto die?
The girl passed away shortly after completing her Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams. She had gone to swim with her cousins at River Nyando on Friday, November 1, when she met her fate.
Sarah’s shattered mother, Constance Kemunto, recalled her last conversation with the 12-year-old primary school girl. “It was around 1pm. I had no reservations when she told me she wanted to play with her cousins after completing the house chores. She left for her aunt’s place. After a few hours, I later heard she had drowned. She was an obedient child who would do everything,” she heartbreakingly noted.
Sarah’s father recounts last conversation with daughter Daniel Maeba, Sarah’s father, noted his daughter was in high spirits after completing her KPSEA exams. He recalled Sarah promising him she would do her best and work hard not to disappoint him or her mum. “She requested to visit her cousins after the exams. She told me she had done all the house chores, which was true, so I released her,” he said.
Sarah’s cousin, Lavender Gesare, said they cautioned their cousin against going for a swim, but she pleaded with them to join her.Where was Sarah’s body discovered? The deceased had promised it would not take long and convinced them to accompany her to the large water body. Once at the river, Sarah dived into the water first and resurfaced quickly, handing her prayer rosary to her cousin out of fear it might be swept away.
However, her second dive proved tragic as she disappeared beneath the water without a trace. Her body was discovered three kilometres down the stream, crushing any potential hope and dreams Sarah’s parents had for seeing their daughter.
by John Green